THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P TekScope Programmer Manual 070-9751-01 This document applies to firmware version 1.13 and above.
Copyright Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned by Tektronix or its suppliers and are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19, as applicable. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Wilsonville, OR 97070 1000 TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
WARRANTY Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase from an authorized Tektronix distributor. If any such product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. Batteries are excluded from this warranty. In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, shipping charges prepaid, and with a copy of customer proof of purchase. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products returned to any other locations. This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; or c) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product. THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Table of Contents General Safety Summary............................ Preface............................................ Related Manuals.................................... Conventions........................................ Getting Started vii ix ix x Setting Up Remote Communications.................... 1 1 Programming Model................................. 1 10 Tutorial............................................ 1 10 and Commands Command................................... 2 1 Command and Query Structure......................... 2 1 Command Entry..................................... 2 4 Constructed Mnemonics.............................. 2 7 Argument Types..................................... 2 9 Command s.................................. 2 13 Oscilloscope Commands.............................. 2 13 DMM Commands................................... 2 35.............................. 2 41 Status and Events Registers.......................................... 3 1 Queues............................................ 3 6 Event Handling Sequence............................. 3 6 Synchronization Methods............................. 3 8 Messages.......................................... 3 12 Programming............................. 4 1 Compiling the Example Programs....................... 4 2 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual i
Table of Contents Appendices Appendix A: ASCII Code Chart...................... A 1 Appendix B: Reserved Words......................... B 1 Appendix C: Factory Setup.......................... C 1 Glossary and Index ii THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Table of Contents List of Figures Figure 1 1: RS-232 Connector Location and Pin Assignments................................. 1 2 Figure 2 1: Block Argument Example................. 2 11 Figure 3 1: The Standard Event Status Register (SESR).. 3 2 Figure 3 2: The Status Byte Register (SBR)............. 3 3 Figure 3 3: The Device Event Status Enable Register (DESER)............................... 3 4 Figure 3 4: The Event Status Enable Register (ESER).... 3 5 Figure 3 5: The Service Request Enable Register (SRER)................................. 3 5 Figure 3 6: Status and Event Handling Process.......... 3 7 Figure 3 7: Command Processing Without Using Synchronization............................ 3 9 Figure 3 8: Processing Sequence With Synchronization... 3 9 Figure 4 1: Equipment Needed to Run the RS-232 Example Programs........................ 4 1 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual iii
Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 1: Connecting to Common Devices............. 1 3 Table 1 2: RS-232 Default Settings.................... 1 5 Table 1 3: RS-232 Troubleshooting................... 1 8 Table 1 4: Comparison of Programming and Front-Panel Models............................. 1 10 Table 2 1: BNF Symbols and Meanings................ 2 1 Table 2 2: Command Message Elements............... 2 2 Table 2 3: Comparison of Header Off and On Responses. 2 4 Table 2 4: Acquisition Commands.................... 2 13 Table 2 5: Alias Commands.......................... 2 14 Table 2 6: Calibration and Diagnostic Commands....... 2 14 Table 2 7: Cursor Commands........................ 2 15 Table 2 8: Display Commands....................... 2 17 Table 2 9: Hard Copy Commands.................... 2 17 Table 2 10: Harmonics Commands................... 2 18 Table 2 11: Horizontal Commands.................... 2 19 Table 2 12: Oscilloscope Measurement Commands...... 2 21 Table 2 13: Miscellaneous Oscilloscope Commands...... 2 22 Table 2 14: RS-232 Commands....................... 2 24 Table 2 15: Oscilloscope Save and Recall Commands.... 2 25 Table 2 16: Status and Error Commands.............. 2 25 Table 2 17: Trigger Commands...................... 2 26 Table 2 18: Vertical Commands...................... 2 28 Table 2 19: Waveform Commands.................... 2 33 Table 2 20: Miscellaneous DMM Commands........... 2 35 Table 2 21: DMM Calibration Commands............. 2 36 Table 2 22: DMM Function Range Commands......... 2 36 iv THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Table of Contents Table 2 23: DMM Measurement Commands........... 2 37 Table 2 24: DMM Probe Commands.................. 2 38 Table 2 25: DMM Beeper Commands................. 2 38 Table 2 26: DMM Logger Commands................. 2 38 Table 2 27: DMM Save and Recall Commands......... 2 40 Table 2 28: Commands that Affect BUSY? Response.... 2 56 Table 2 29: DATa and WFMPre Parameter Settings..... 2 89 Table 2 30: XY Format Pairs........................ 2 101 Table 2 31: Commands that Generate an Operation Complete Message............................... 2 210 Table 2 32: Additional WFMPre Commands........... 2 272 Table 3 1: SESR Bit Functions....................... 3 2 Table 3 2: SBR Bit Functions........................ 3 3 Table 3 3: No Event Messages........................ 3 13 Table 3 4: Command Error Messages CME Bit 5...... 3 13 Table 3 5: Execution Error Messages EXE Bit 4....... 3 14 Table 3 6: Device Error Messages DDE Bit 3.......... 3 17 Table 3 7: System Event Messages.................... 3 18 Table 3 8: Execution Warning Messages EXE Bit 4.... 3 19 Table 3 9: Internal Warning Messages................ 3 20 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual v
Table of Contents vi THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
General Safety Summary Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it. Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Injury Precautions Use Proper Power Cord. To avoid fire hazard, use only the power cord specified for this product. Avoid Electric Overload. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not apply potential to any input, including the common inputs, that varies from ground by more than the maximum rating for that input. Avoid Electric Shock. To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are connected to a voltage source. Do Not Operate Without Covers. To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product with covers or panels removed. Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere. Product Damage Precautions Use Proper Power Source. Do not operate this product from a power source that applies more than the voltage specified. Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual vii
General Safety Summary Safety Terms and Symbols Terms in This Manual. These terms may appear in this manual: WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life. CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property. Terms on the Product. These terms may appear on the product: DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the marking. WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking. CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product. Symbols on the Product. These symbols may appear on the product: DANGER High Voltage Protective Ground (Earth) Terminal ATTENTION Refer to Manual Double Insulated Certifications and Compliances CSA Certified AC Adapter. CSA Certification includes the AC adapters appropriate for use in the North America power network. All other AC adapters supplied are approved for the country of use. Compliances. Consult the product specifications for Overvoltage Category and Safety Class. viii THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Preface This is the Programmer Manual for the THS710A, THS720A, THS730A, and THS720P TekScope instruments.this manual provides information about operating your instrument using the RS-232 interface. Related Manuals Additional documentation for the instrument is contained in the related manuals listed below. Language User Manual Part Number Reference Part Number Service Manual Part Number English 070-9731-XX 070-9741-XX 070-9752-XX French 070-9732-XX 070-9742-XX German 070-9733-XX 070-9743-XX Italian 070-9734-XX 070-9744-XX Korean 070-9735-XX 070-9745-XX Portuguese 070-9736-XX 070-9746-XX Spanish 070-9737-XX 070-9747-XX Simplified Chinese Traditional Chinese 070-9738-XX 070-9739-XX 070-9748-XX 070-9749-XX Japanese 070-9740-XX 070-9799-XX THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual ix
Preface Conventions TekScope instrument setups are shown in tables. The Getting Started chapter uses a table to show the complete contents of a menu. The header of each table contains icons that represent the controls and menu items used to set up the instrument. To make a specific setup, read the table from left to right and then from top to bottom as shown below. The table contains the symbol if no action is required. 1. Choose scope mode or meter mode. 2. Press this button on the front panel. 3. Press this bezel button. 4. Press the bezel button again until this selection is highlighted. 5. Use the + / rocker to set the value for a parameter. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. x THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Getting Started
Getting Started This chapter covers the following topics. Setting Up Remote Communications describes setting up for remote control including connecting the TekScope instrument and setting the appropriate front panel controls. Programming Model describes how the programming interface differs from the front-panel user interface. Tutorial includes a simple programming example. For general information about operating the instrument, refer to the THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P User Manual. Setting Up Remote Communications The TekScope instrumenthas an RS-232 connector located on its right side, as shown in Figure 1 1. This connector is an RJ-45 connector. You can use adapters to convert to either 9-pin or 25-pin RS-232 connectors which conform to ANSI/EIA/TIA Standard 574 1990. Connecting to an RS-232 Device The RS-232 interface provides a point-to-point connection between two items of equipment such as a computer or terminal and the TekScope instrument. This section tells how to connect and set up the instrument for communication over the RS-232 interface. Table 1 1 shows how to use parts in the RS-232 Cable Set (standard accessory) with other adapters to connect the instrument to common devices. You can purchase the other adapters from most computer supply dealers. Two types of RS-232 devices are defined: Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications Equipment (DCE). The TekScope instrument is a DTE device. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 1 1
Getting Started RS-232 connector Side panel Pin assignments 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 2 Data Set Ready (DSR) 3 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 4 Signal Ground (GND) 5 Receive Data (RxD) 6 Transmit Data (TxD) 7 Clear to Send (CTS) 8 Request to Send (RTS) Figure 1 1: RS-232 Connector Location and Pin Assignments 1 2 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Getting Started Table 1 1: Connecting to Common Devices To connect to device type HC 411 or DPU 411-II printer Thinkjet printer with 24542G cable Most other serial printers Sun workstations PC/AT or laptop with 9-pin male connector Old-style PC with 25-pin male connector Use these parts from the RS-232 Cable Set (standard accessory) RS-232 cable RS-232 cable and RJ-45 to 9-pin female null modem adapter RS-232 cable and RJ-45 to 9-pin female null modem adapter RS-232 cable and RJ-45 to 9-pin female null modem adapter RS-232 cable and RJ-45 to 9-pin female null modem adapter With these additional adapters RJ-45 to 25-pin male adapter (Tektronix part number 103-0334-XX, supplied with HC 411) 9-pin male to 9-pin male gender adapter (Radio Shack part number 26-280) 9-pin male to 25-pin male adapter (Radio Shack part number 26-1388) required 9-pin male to 25-pin male adapter (Radio Shack part number 26-1388), followed by 25-pin female to 25-pin female gender adapter (Radio Shack part number 26-1495) THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 1 3
Getting Started Configuring the TekScope Instrument You can configure the TekScope instrument RS-232 port while in scope or meter mode. The contents of the RS-232 System branch of the Utility menu are summarized in the table below. SCOPE or UTILITY System RS-232 METER Baud Rate Choose rate Flagging Hard Flagging On Soft Flagging Off Miscellaneous EOL CR LF CR/LF LF/CR Set RS232 Parameters to Defaults Parity Stop Bits 1 2 Delay Even Odd Set delay After these parameters are set, the RS-232 interface is ready to operate: Baud Rate sets the data transmission rate in the range from 300 to 38,400 baud. Hard Flagging sets hard flagging (RTS/CTS) on or off. Hard flagging is the preferred method of controlling the flow of data between devices. Use hard flagging for binary data transfers and instrument control. 1 4 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Getting Started Soft Flagging sets soft flagging (XON/XOFF) on or off. Use soft flagging only if it is required by your printer. EOL sets the end of line terminator sent by the instrument. You can set CR, LF, LF/CR, or CR/LF. Parity adds an error check bit (ninth bit) to each character. You can set the error bit for either, Even, or Odd parity. When the parity setting is odd or even, the instrument generates the selected parity on output and checks incoming data for the selected parity. When the parity setting is none, there is no parity bit. Stop Bits sets the number of stop bits sent after each character. You can set 1 or 2 stop bits. Delay sets the delay time before responding to a query. You can set times from 0 s to 60 s in 100 ms increments. Set RS-232 Parameters to Defaults sets RS-232 parameters to the default values listed in Table 1 2. Table 1 2: RS-232 Default Settings RS-232 Parameter Default Setting Baud Rate 9600 Hard Flagging On Soft Flagging Off EOL LF Parity Stop Bits 1 Delay 0 s THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 1 5
Getting Started RS-232 Conventions You should be aware of the processing conventions that are specific to the RS-232 interface. These conventions pertain to the following tasks: Transferring binary data Processing break signals Reporting RS-232 I/O errors Checking Command Status Transferring Binary Data. When transferring binary data to the TekScope instrument via the RS-232 port, note the following points: Using RTS/CTS (hard) flagging guarantees no data loss. All eight bits of binary data contain meaningful information. To ensure that all eight bits are received or transmitted, an RS-232 device which is connected to the instrument must be configured to receive and transmit eight-bit characters (set the RS-232 word length to eight bits). Processing Break Signals. When the TekScope instrument senses a break signal on the RS-232 port, it returns DCL followed by the end of line terminator. Break signals do not change instrument settings or stored data and do not interrupt front-panel operation or nonprogrammable functions. If a break signal is sent in the middle of a character stream, several characters immediately preceding or following the break may be lost. The controller should wait until it receives the DCL and end of line terminator string before sending more characters. Reporting RS-232 I/O Errors. Errors are reported when there is a problem with parity, framing, or input/output buffer overruns. To report errors, the TekScope instrument posts an event code (refer to Status and Events). When an error occurs, the instrument discards all input and output and waits for a new command. A count of these errors since last power on is included in the error log (in the Diag System of the Utility menu). 1 6 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Getting Started You can use the RS232 Line Snapshot entry of the error log to help establish an RS-232 connection. The snapshot reports whether the instrument is waiting to receive a control-q (yes/no), the state of the hardware CTS line (high/low), and whether characters have been received (yes/no). Use the following statements to help you interpret the status reported in the error log: If soft flagging is on and if Waiting For ^Q is Yes, the instrument must receive an XON character before it will transmit any more data. If hard flagging is on and CTS is Low, the instrument will not transmit any data. If hard flagging is off, you should ignore the value of CTS since the instrument ignores it. If Chars Rcvd is Yes, the instrument has received at least one character since the last power-on. The RS232 Errors line of the error log lists the number of parity, framing, and overrun errors since the last power-on. Checking Command Status. If you want to check the status of each command sent, you can append a *STB? query after every command and read the response string. RS-232 Troubleshooting If the TekScope instrument and the personal computer or printer have trouble communicating, use the following steps to correct the problem: 1. Verify that you are using the correct RS-232 cable and adapters. Determine whether your configuration requires a null-modem connection (where transmit/receive and control lines are switched) or a straight-through RS-232 connection. Refer to Table 1 1 for information about RS-232 connections. 2. Verify that the RS-232 cable and adapters are firmly connected to both the TekScope instrument and the correct port on your personal computer or printer. Verify that your printer or the program on the personal computer is using the correct port. Try your program or printer again. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 1 7
Getting Started 3. Verify that the TekScope instrument settings match the settings used by your printer or the program on your personal computer. Start by choosing Set RS-232 Parameters to Defaults (in the RS-232 System of the Utility menu). Then, change only those menu items that you know need to be changed, such as the baud rate. Try your printer or computer program again. 4. If you are trying to control the instrument using a personal computer or other computer, look at the diagnostic error log and examine the RS232 Line Snapshot and the RS232 Errors. The RS232 Line Snapshot and the RS232 Errors will not change while you are viewing them. They are reset when the power is turned on. Use Table 1 3 to troubleshoot your setup. Table 1 3: RS-232 Troubleshooting Symptom Your personal computer program tried to send characters to the TekScope instrument, but the error log displays Chars Rcvd: No. The instrument error log displays Framing errors. The instrument error log displays Parity errors. Possible Causes Your RS-232 cable may be wired as a modem instead of a null modem. If you are attempting to use a telephone modem, the cable may be wired as a null modem instead of a modem. There is a baud rate mismatch between the instrument and the personal computer. There is a data bits mismatch between the instrument and the personal computer (The instrument expects 8-bit data). There is a parity mismatch between the instrument and the personal computer. There is a parity mismatch between the instrument and the personal computer. 1 8 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Getting Started Table 1 3: RS-232 Troubleshooting (Cont.) Symptom The instrument error log displays Overrun errors. Transmissions are incomplete, or the instrument does not process all commands from the personal computer. The instrument error log displays Waiting for ^Q: Yes. Soft flagging is being used, and transmissions stop. The instrument error log displays CTS: Low, and the instrument is using hard flagging. After the personal computer program sends a BREAK, the first message fails. Possible Causes Flagging is not being used correctly by the instrument or the personal computer: they are using different types of flagging, or they are using soft flagging for instrument control. Flagging is not being used correctly by the instrument or the personal computer: they are using different types of flagging, or they are using soft flagging for instrument control. There is an EOL terminator mismatch between the instrument and the personal computer. The instrument is using soft flagging. Use hard flagging instead unless your printer requires soft flagging. Verify that both the personal computer and the instrument are not sending binary data. Binary data may contain ^S characters which cause transmissions to stop. Use hard flagging instead unless your printer requires soft flagging. Verify that the RS-232 cable is the recommended cable. Some cables may be wired without the CTS or RTS lines which are used by hard flagging. Verify that the personal computer program is using CTS/RTS hard flagging. Verify that the personal computer program is waiting for and reading the DCL and end of line terminator response sent by the instrument. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 1 9
Getting Started Programming Model Table 1 4 describes how the model for programming the TekScope instrument differs from controlling the instrument using the front panel. Table 1 4: Comparison of Programming and Front-Panel Models Programming Model You can access all controls at all times. You have more control over some features than is available through the front panel. Front-Panel Model You can only change the controls that are accessible in the current menu or instrument mode. You have less control over some features than is available through the programming interface. Tutorial This tutorial contains one simple example of operating the TekScope instrument through the programming interface. This example verifies communication with the instrument, acquires a signal, and then takes a frequency measurement. Refer to the chapter for a description of the diskette, included with this manual, that contains additional programming examples. The tutorial assumes you have already attached a PC to the instrument and that the PC is executing a terminal-emulator program (such as a Microsoft Windows Terminal, for example). Be sure to set the communication settings in the terminal-emulator program to match those of the TekScope instrument. 1 10 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Getting Started 1. Connect the oscilloscope probe to the channel 1 input BNC. Attach the probe tip and reference lead to the PROBE COMP connectors on the right side of the TekScope instrument. The PROBE COMP signal is a square wave with a frequency of 1.2 khz. Ch 1 Probe reference lead to Probe tip to PROBE COMP 2. Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the TekScope instrument. 3. After a few seconds, you should see a window with the message Power-On self check PASSED. Press the CLEAR MENU button to begin operation. 4. Send the query. The instrument responds with its identification string (or similar). 5. Send the command to reset the instrument to the factory default state. The factory default state is described in Appendix C: Factory Setup. 6. Send the command to turn on the autorange function. 7. Send the command to select measurements on channel 1. 8. Send the command to set up the frequency measurement. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 1 11
Getting Started 9. Send the query to request the measurement result. The instrument will respond with a result similar to, which is a frequency measurement of the PROBE COMP signal. This completes the tutorial. 1 12 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
and Commands
Command You can control the TekScope instrument through the RS-232 interface using a large group of commands and queries. This section describes the syntax these commands and queries use and the conventions the instrument uses to process them. The commands and queries themselves are listed in the section. You transmit commands to the instrument using the enhanced American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) character encoding. Appendix A contains a chart of the ASCII character set. This manual uses Backus-Naur Form (BNF) notation and syntax diagrams to describe commands and queries. Table 2 1 lists the BNF symbols that this manual uses. Table 2 1: BNF Symbols and Meanings Symbol Meaning Defined element Is defined as Exclusive OR ; one element is required Optional; can be omitted Previous element(s) may be repeated Comment Command and Query Structure Commands consist of set commands and query commands (usually simply called commands and queries). Commands modify instrument settings or tell the instrument to perform a specific action. Queries cause the instrument to return data and information about its status. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 1
Command Most commands have both a set form and a query form. The query form of the command is the same as the set form except that it ends with a question mark. For example, the set command has a query form. Not all commands have both a set and a query form; some commands are set only and some are query only. A command message is a command or query name, followed by any information the instrument needs to execute the command or query. Command messages consist of five different element types, defined in Table 2 2. Table 2 2: Command Message Elements Symbol Meaning The basic command name. If the header ends with a question mark, the command is a query. The header may begin with a colon (:) character; if the command is concatenated with other commands the beginning colon is required. The beginning colon can never be used with command headers beginning with a star (*). A header subfunction. Some command headers have only one mnemonic. If a command header has multiple mnemonics, they are always separated from each other by a colon (:) character. A quantity, quality, restriction, or limit associated with the header. Not all commands have an argument, while other commands have multiple arguments. are separated from the header by a. are separated from each other by a. A single comma between arguments of multiple-argument commands. It may optionally have white space characters before and after the comma. A white space character between command header and argument. It may optionally consist of multiple white space characters. 2 2 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command Commands Commands cause the instrument to perform a specific function or change one of its settings. Commands have the structure: A command header is made up of one or more mnemonics arranged in a hierarchical or tree structure. The first mnemonic is the base or root of the tree and each subsequent mnemonic is a level or branch off of the previous one. Commands at a higher level in the tree may affect those at a lower level. The leading colon (:) always returns you to the base of the command tree. Queries Queries cause the instrument to return information about its status or settings. Queries have the structure: You can specify a query command at any level within the command tree unless otherwise noted. These branch queries return information about all the mnemonics below the specified branch or level. For example, returns only the display contrast setting while returns all the display settings. Headers in Query Responses You can control whether the instrument returns headers as part of the query response. Use the command to control this feature. If header is on, the instrument returns command headers as part of the query and formats the query response as a valid set command. When header is off, the instrument sends back only the values in the response. This format can make it easier to parse and extract the information from the response. Table 2 3 shows the difference in responses. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 3
Command Table 2 3: Comparison of Header Off and On Responses Query Header Off Response Header On Response Output Queue To clear the Output Queue and reset the instrument to accept a new command or query, use the RS-232 break signal. Command Entry Follow these general rules when entering commands: You can enter commands in upper or lower case. You can precede any command with white space characters. White space characters include null (00), tab (09), and space (20). You can enter a command that consists of any combination of white space characters and line feeds; the instrument will ignore this command. Abbreviating Commands You can abbreviate many instrument commands. These abbreviations are shown in capitals in the command listing in the Command s section on page 2 13 and section on page 2 41. For example, the command can be entered simply as or. If you use the command to have command headers included as part of query responses, you can also control whether the returned headers are abbreviated or are full-length using the command. Concatenating Commands You can concatenate any combination of set commands and queries using a semicolon (;). The instrument executes concatenated 2 4 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command commands in the order received. When concatenating commands and queries you must follow these rules: Completely different headers must be separated by both a semicolon and by the beginning colon on all commands but the first. For example, the commands and can be concatenated into a single command: If concatenated commands have headers that differ by only the last mnemonic, you can abbreviate the second command and eliminate the beginning colon. For example, the commands and could be concatenated into a single command: The longer version works equally well: Never precede a star (*) command with a colon: The instrument processes commands that follow the star command as if the star command was not there so this concatenation with the last command in abbreviated form is legal: When you concatenate queries, the instrument concatenates responses to all the queries into a single response message. For example, if the RS-232 parameters are set to their default values, the concatenated query: will return. You may concatenate set commands and queries in the same message. For example: THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 5
Command is a valid message that sets the acquisition mode to normal, queries the number of acquisitions for averaging, and then queries the acquisition state. The instrument executes concatenated commands and queries in the order it receives them. Here are some invalid concatenation examples: (missing colon before ) (extra colon before ) (extra colon before a star ( ) command) Message Terminator This manual uses (End of message) to represent a message terminator. RS-232 End of Message Terminators. May be a CR (carriage return), LF (line feed), CRLF (carriage return followed by a line feed), or LFCR (line feed followed by a carriage return). When receiving, the instrument accepts all four combinations as valid input message terminators regardless of the currently selected terminator. When a combination of multiple characters is selected (CRLF or LFCR), the instrument interprets the first character as the terminator and the second character as a null command. 2 6 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command Constructed Mnemonics Cursor Position Mnemonics When the instrument displays cursors, commands may specify which cursor of the pair to use. Symbol Meaning A cursor selector; is either or. Measurement Specifier Mnemonics Commands can specify which measurement to set or query as a mnemonic in the header. In scope mode, the instrument can display up to four automated measurements. The displayed measurements are specified in this way: Symbol Meaning A measurement specifier; is either,,,or. A measurement specifier, is a compound mnemonic that specifies one of twenty avaialble power measurements (THS720P). Channel Mnemonics Commands specify the channel to use as a mnemonic in the header. Symbol Meaning A channel specifier; is either or. THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 7
Command Math Waveform Mnemonics Commands can specify the mathematical waveform to use as a mnemonic in the header. Symbol Meaning A math waveform specifier; is. Reference Waveform Mnemonics Commands can specify the reference waveform to use as a mnemonic in the header. Symbol Meaning A reference waveform specifier; is either or. (Specifier values and are also allowed for backward compatibility with other instruments.) Waveform Mnemonics In some commands you can specify a waveform without regard to its type: channel waveform, math waveform, or reference waveform: Symbol Meaning Can be, or 2 8 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command Argument Types The argument of a command may be in one of several forms. The individual descriptions of each command tell which argument types to use with that command. Numeric Many instrument commands require numeric arguments. The syntax shows the format that the instrument returns in response to a query. This response is also the preferred format when sending the command to the instrument though it will accept any of the formats. This manual represents these arguments as follows: Symbol Meaning Signed integer value Floating point value without an exponent Floating point value with an exponent The instrument will automatically force most numeric arguments to a valid setting, either by rounding or truncating, when you input an invalid number. Exceptions are noted in the command descriptions. Quoted String Some commands accept or return data in the form of a quoted string, which is simply a group of ASCII characters enclosed by single quotes ( ) or double quotes ( ). For example: Symbol Meaning Quoted string of ASCII text THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 9
Command Follow these rules when you use quoted strings: 1. A quoted string can include any character defined in the 7-bit ASCII character set. (See Appendix A). 2. Use the same type of quote character to open and close the string: 3. You can mix quotation marks within a string as long as you follow the previous rule: 4. You can include a quote character within a string simply by repeating the quote. For example, 5. Strings can have upper or lower case characters. 6. You cannot terminate a quoted string with the END message before the closing delimiter. 7. A carriage return or line feed embedded in a quoted string does not terminate the string, but is treated as just another character in the string. 8. The maximum length of a quoted string returned from a query is 1000 characters. Here are some examples of invalid strings: (quotes are not of the same type) (termination character is embedded in the string) 2 10 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command Block Several instrument commands use a block argument form: Symbol Meaning A non-zero digit character, in the range 1 9 A digit character, in the range 0 9 A character with the hex equivalent of 00 through FF hexadecimal (0 through 255 decimal) A block of data bytes, defined as: specifies the number of elements that follow. Taken together, the elements form a decimal integer that specifies how many elements follow. Figure 2 1 shows a block argument example. Block argument ALIas:DEFINE SETUp1,#231AUTOSet EXECute;:SELect:REFA ON Block header Specifies data length Specifies number of length digits that follow Figure 2 1: Block Argument Example THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 11
Command 2 12 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command s TekScope instrument commands are divided into two categories, Oscilloscope Commands and DMM Commands, which correspond to the two primary modes of instrument operation. Within these two categories, this section lists the commands organized by functional group. The section on page 2 41 lists all commands alphabetically. The instrument RS-232 interface conforms to Tektronix standard codes and formats except where noted. Oscilloscope Commands The following command groups cover general instrument functions and those specific to scope-mode operation. Acquisition Commands Acquisition commands affect the acquisition of waveforms. These commands control mode, averaging, enveloping, and single-waveform acquisition. Table 2 4: Acquisition Commands Header Description Return acquisition parameters Query/set acquisition mode Return # of acquisitions obtained Query/set number of acquisitions for average Query/set number of acquisitions for envelope Start or stop acquisition system Query/set acquisition control THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 13
Command s Alias Commands Alias commands let you define your own commands as a sequence of standard commands. This feature is useful when you use the same commands each time you perform a certain task, such as setting up the instrument to take a measurement. Table 2 5: Alias Commands Header Description Query the alias state Return a list of aliases Query/set (create) a new alias Remove an alias Remove all aliases Remove a named alias Query/set the alias state on and off Calibration and Diagnostic Commands Calibration and Diagnostic commands let you initiate the self-calibration and diagnostic routines that are built into the instrument. The diagnostic test operation includes selecting the test sequence, executing the sequence, and then examining the results. Table 2 6: Calibration and Diagnostic Commands Header Description Execute next factory calibration step Initialize factory calibration sequence Perform an internal signal path compensation Return status from last calibration sequence 2 14 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command s Table 2 6: Calibration and Diagnostic Commands (Cont.) Header Description Return diagnostic tests status Return diagnostic test sequence results Select complete diagnostic test sequence for acquisition, CPU, display, and front panel Control diagnostic tests Cursor Commands Cursor commands provide control over the oscilloscope cursor display and readout. Table 2 7: Cursor Commands Header Description Returns cursor settings Query/set cursors on or off; select cursor type Return horizontal bar settings Return vertical distance between horizontal bar cursors Query/set position of a horizontal bar cursor Query/set which horizontal bar cursor is active Return paired cursor position measurements Query horizontal distance between first and second paired cursors THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 15
Command s Table 2 7: Cursor Commands (Cont.) Header Description Query horizontal position of first paired cursor Query horizontal position of second paired cursor Query/set vertical bar position of paired cursor Query/set active paired cursor Query vertical distance between first and second paired cursors Return vertical bar settings Return horizontal distance between cursors Query/set position of a vertical bar cursor Set the reference locations for phase measurements Query the 0 phase reference location Query the 360 phase reference location Query/set which vertical bar cursor is active Query/set vertical cursors to time or frequency 2 16 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command s Display Commands Display commands let you change the graticule style, change the displayed contrast, and clear the menu. Table 2 8: Display Commands Header Description Clear menus from display Returns display settings Query/set the LCD display contrast Query/set YT or XY display Query/set graticule style Query/set the functional mode of the instrument: scope or meter mode Query/set the accumulate time Query/set dots, vectors, dot accumulate or vector accumulate Query/set the display of the trigger indicator on screen Hard Copy Commands The hard copy commands let you control the format of hard copy output and control the initiation and termination of hard copies. Table 2 9: Hard Copy Commands Header Description Start or terminate hard copy Query/set the hard copy output format Query/set the hard copy orientation Query/set the hard copy port for output (only RS232 allowed) THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 17
Command s Harmonics Commands (THS720P) Harmonics commands provide control over the oscilloscope harmonic analysis and power measurement capabilities. Table 2 10: Harmonics Commands Header Description Return harmonic data Return displacement power factor Start/stop harmonics Query/set the format for harmonic data returned by CURVe? Return frequency of selected harmonic Return RMS value of selected harmonic Return amplitude of selected harmonic as percent of fundamental Return power factor of selected harmonic Return phase of selected harmonic relative to fundamental Return one of twenty power measurements Return RMS value of waveform over one cycle Query/select specific harmonic Query/set group of harmonics to calculate Return status of harmonics calculations Query/set harmonic calculation method Return total harmonic distortion 2 18 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command s Table 2 10: Harmonics Commands (Cont.) Header Description Return waveform preamble and data Return waveform preamble Horizontal Commands Horizontal commands control the time bases of the instrument. You can set the time per division (or time per point) of both the main and delayed time bases. Table 2 11: Horizontal Commands Header Description Return horizontal settings Return delay time base settings Query/set delay time base mode Query/set delay time base time/division Same as HORizontal:DELay:SCAle Query/set delay time Query/set delay time Query/set horizontal 10X magnify Query/set main time base time/division Query/set main time base time/division Same as HORizontal:MAIn:SCAle Query/set delay time base on or off Query/set position of waveform to display THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 19
Command s Table 2 11: Horizontal Commands (Cont.) Header Description Return number of points in waveform record (always 2500 points) Query/set position lock for REF waveforms Same as HORizontal:MAIn:SCAle Same as HORizontal:MAIn:SCAle Query main time base trigger position Query/set main time base trigger position Oscilloscope Measurement Commands Measurement commands control the automated measurement system. Up to four automated measurements can be displayed on the instrument screen. In the commands, these four measurement readouts are named, where can be,,, or. In addition to the four measurement readouts displayed, the measurement commands let you specify a fifth measurement,. The immediate measurement has no front-panel equivalent, and the instrument never displays immediate measurements. Because they are computed only when they are requested, immediate measurements slow the waveform update rate less than displayed measurements. Use the query to obtain measurement results of either displayed or immediate measurements. Several measurement commands set and query measurement parameters. You can assign some parameters, such as waveform sources, differently for each measurement readout. Other parameters, such as reference levels, have only one value which applies to all measurements. 2 20 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command s Table 2 12: Oscilloscope Measurement Commands Header Description Return all measurement parameters Query/set measurement gating Return immediate measurement parameters Query/set channel to take the immediate measurement from Query/set the immediate measurement to be taken Return the immediate measurement units Return the immediate measurement result Return parameters on the measurement Query/set channel to take the measurement from Query/set measurement display on or off Query/set the type of measurement to be taken Returns the units to use for measurement Returns measurement results Query/set method for calculating reference levels Returns percent and absolute reference levels Query/set the top level for measurement (90% level) THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 21
Command s Table 2 12: Oscilloscope Measurement Commands (Cont.) Header Description Query/set the low level for measurement (10% level) Query/set the mid level for measurements Query/set the method to assign, and levels: either % or absolute volts Query/set the top level for measurement (90% level) Query/set the low level for measurement (10% level) Query/set the mid level for measurements Miscellaneous Oscilloscope Commands Miscellaneous oscilloscope commands are a group of commands that do not fit into any other category. Several commands and queries used with the instrument are common to all devices on the RS-232 interface. These commands and queries are defined by IEEE Std. 488.2-1987 and Tek Standard Codes and Formats 1989 and begin with an asterisk ( ) character. Table 2 13: Miscellaneous Oscilloscope Commands Header Description Automatic instrument setup Query/set autorange mode on or off Query/set group execute trigger (GET) Reset to factory default Same as HEADer 2 22 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual
Command s Table 2 13: Miscellaneous Oscilloscope Commands (Cont.) Header Description Query/set command header Return Tektronix Codes and Formats instrument identification Return IEEE 488.2 instrument identification Learn device setting Query/set front panel lock Change password for User Protected Data Access to change User Protected Data Query/set inactivity timer for backlight Query/set inactivity timer for automatic power off. Query/set user-protected data No action; remark only Reset most instrument settings to factory default values Same as *LRN? Initialize waveforms and setups Perform Execute Trigger (GET) Return self-test results Unlock front panel (local lockout) Query/set full command name or minimum spellings for query responses THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual 2 23
Command s RS-232 Commands RS-232 commands allow you to set or query the parameters that control the RS-232 port. Table 2 14: RS-232 Commands Query RS232 parameters Query/set baud rate Returns flow control parameters Query/set hard flagging Query/set hard flagging Query/set data transmission mode, query always returns RAW Query/set soft flagging Query/set parity type Set default RS-232 parameters Query/set number of stop bits Query/set soft flagging Query/set number of stop bits Query/set delay before query response Query/set end-of-line terminator Oscilloscope Save and Recall Commands Save and Recall commands allow you to store and retrieve internal waveforms and settings. When you save a setting, you save most of the settings of the instrument. When you then recall a setting, the instrument restores itself to the state it was in when you saved that setting. 2 24 THS710A, THS720A, THS730A & THS720P Programmer Manual